Polish Prayers – 10. Film Festival Spektrum

Cinematography: Miłosz Kasiura

Producer: Esther van Messel

Poland, Switzerland 2023
84′

Antek, 22, grew up in a deeply religious family and radical right-wing environment of traditional catholics in contemporary Poland. Catholicism, nationalism and especially celibacy define his world. But when he falls in love, doubts begin to set in. It is the women, the tender, difficult, exciting relationships with them, through which Antek learns to really be a man. The film follows him from when he has all the answers to the many questions any young man needs to answer for himself, and his family. Antek’s mother has left his father and taken his little brothers and sisters with her, and Antek is torn in his loyalty between his father, who is his role model, and his mother, who supports him but challenges traditional values with her emancipation. Over several years, filmmaker Hanka Nobis follows him, his friends and his family with her crew.

The screening will be followed by Q&A session with Anna Rok.

A deeply humanistic image of man…

Marcin Stachowicz, Filmweb

This is not a story about nationalists being grotesque monsters, but rather a coming-of-age chronicle of a young boy who lives in the contradiction that is Poland.

Łukasz Al-Darawsheh, Filmawka

It’s strange that such a film was made in this country. About love above worldview, without intrusive journalism or fueling ideological disputes, because emotions are the most important here.

Jacek Sobczyńska, NewOnce

This is an intimate story of determinism. Where nationalism meets queerness, religion meets disbelief, expectations meet independence, and fear meets love. It is also a story that tears away the often worn identity masks that give a false sense of belonging.

Adrian Matuszkiewicz, Kącik Popkulturowy